Staining
The staining process highlights tissue morphology, cell types, and structure to enable accurate tumor classification and diagnosis. View resources on how staining is practiced today, and how it may evolve in the future.
An Introduction to Routine and Special Staining
Routine (or H&E) and special stains allow us to visualize otherwise transparent tissue under a microscope and are critical for tissue-based diagnosis.
Science of H&E
Download this training resource to learn more about routine staining with hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) and the steps involved with the staining process.
Special Stain Techniques for the Evaluation of Mucins
Special stains that are used for the evaluation of mucins, mucin-like molecules and other carbohydrate containing macromolecules remain in demand and are utilized frequently in the histology laboratory.
Special Stains – Which One, Why and How? Part I: Mucins and Glycogen
Mucins are a part of a complex group called carbohydrates. Mucins are mucopolysaccharides; they are important in cell growth as they help regulate the flow of nutrients between capillaries and cells and are known as “The Glue of Life”.
Special Stains – Which One, How and Why? Part II: Connective Tissue
Special stains" are processes that generally employ a dye or chemical that has an affinity for the particular tissue component that is to be demonstrated. This article includes the processes and protocols necessary to demonstrate connective tissue.
Special Stains – Which One, Why and How? Part III: Microorganisms – Bacteria and Fungi
Microorganisms are living organisms which include bacteria, fungi, protozoa and viruses. Bacteria, fungi and protozoa can be identified and classified with histochemical procedures and viruses are generally identified with immunohistochemical procedures.
Safety with Special Stains
Histology laboratories perform a wide range of special stains that include multiple chemicals many of which have unique hazards. This workshop will cover the appropriate handling of dyes and reagents used in special stains. The discussion will consist of...
Acid Fast Bacteria and Acid Fast Staining
Pathologists use various stains to help make their diagnoses. One of the categories of stains is called special stains and refers to a technique where dyes or chemicals are used to identify specific cell structures or components present within the submitted sample. The pathologist can use these particular special stains to confirm or categorize the potential diagnoses.
60 Minutes: 20 Histology Tips
When was the last time that your pathologist brought you a slide of decalcified bone, and said it was the best she ever saw? Ever wonder why your PAS stain is not staining the basement membrane the way it should? These questions and 18 others will be discussed...